Ecommerce Experts Bird and Co Creative Warn Many Businesses Risk Losing Out in the Online Sales War

Ecommerce experts Bird and Co Creative warn that many small businesses risk losing out in the sales war, if they fail to build a significant online sales channel. Recent sales figures have shown that many retailers, including ASOS, John Lewis, and NEXT, reported record online sales during the festive period

Online PR News – 01-February-2012 – – Ecommerce experts Bird and Co Creative have warned that many small businesses could face the same fate as Woolworths and Peacocks if they fail to secure online business. In the wake of NEXT’s much publicised reduction in bricks-and-mortar sales, the digital agency recommends implementing a clear online marketing and ecommerce strategy.

Gone are the days when people would peruse the High Street for hours at their leisure. With online shopping growing in popularity amongst busy professionals, businesses who fail to best utilise their websites run the risk of being left behind.

“Websites today need to be simple for clients to use and work on a variety of mobile devices such as iPads and smart phones.”

Online Marketing Manager Paul Ajao says: “We are seeing many small businesses that have a website, but the site is not optimised to sell online. Today’s consumers are not just comparison shopping online – they are sitting with credit cards at the ready. Now is the time for businesses to take advantage of this trend”

Last Christmas provided an insight into the continuing importance of online sales. John Lewis reported an online sales jump of 27.9% year on year for the five weeks to 31st December, contributing to total sales of £596m. Whilst NEXT’s online sales were up 16.9% year on year for the same period, compared to a 2.7% sales fall for its retail stores.

Other stores such as High Street giant Argos reported an 8.8% fall in sales in the 18 weeks until Christmas. Mothercare also saw sales in their High Street stores fall by 3%. These shocking figures paint a bleak picture for UK stores.

To avoid falling into this trap, Paul makes a few recommendations: “Websites today need to be simple for clients to use and work on a variety of mobile devices such as iPads and smart phones. Installing sophisticated tracking can also help online store owners see exactly which marketing initiatives are producing profits and which are failing to get a return.”